Building on a
legacy
Peter Ramsden (Rangitāne, Ngāi Tahu – Koukourarata) is a man well known for his boundless passion – for his people, the environment and for the regeneration of the place he calls home – Koukourarata. In the recent Queen’s Birthday honours, Peter was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his considerable contribution to the environment over the past decades. Recently he shared his rich and colourful life journey with his niece PIRIMIA BURGER.
a skinny-legged boy looked up at his father with big brown eyes, seeking reassurance, as a kuia clasped his face. Hūpē and tears streamed as she sobbed and called to the dead. “I remember it vividly. As soon as she knew my name, away she went, it was incredible. Dad explained it afterwards, ‘She was greeting the man whose name you have the privilege of bearing, Te Rangi Hīroa.’ “I’m still very aware of the responsibility that comes with having a name like that. I’ve never forgotten it”. Peter Te Rangi Hīroa Ramsden is named for Te Rangi Hīroa or Sir Peter Buck. The Ngāti Mutunga rangatira was the first Māori doctor, a WWI hero, politician and anthropologist. He was also a close friend of Peter’s father, Eric Ramsden. Like his namesake, Peter Ramsden is diplomatic, driven and a tireless champion for his people. Statuesque and devilishly handsome, he combines cheek ‘n charm with straight talk and action. It is a blend that has built trust with communities across Canterbury and spurred environmental, economic and cultural regeneration at his home in Koukourarata, Banks Peninsula. For years Peter has served as Deputy Chair of Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata. His focus has been to look after the environment, so the environment can look after the people. Recently he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the environment. Peter has lived a life of legendary adventure. Early years took him to misty mountains and remote islands, mining for gold, blasting rock, leaping from helicopters and eventually returning home with his skills, family and vision. Through the Manawatū Te Rā and Te Aweawe families of Rangitāne, and the Soloman and Tikao families of Ngāi Tahu, Peter was born into whakapapa leading back to Takitimu and Kurahaupō waka, affording him what he calls, ”some extraordinary lines”. His mother, Henrietta Merenia Manawatū Te Rā, known as Billie, was born in Koukourarata. Tiny in stature but huge in personality, her vivacity could not beat the menace of tuberculosis. She died in 1953 when Peter was just five years old. His father, Eric Ramsden, was a journalist, writer, art critic and leading commentator on Māori Affairs. Eric was well connected in te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā. Peter was raised by Eric, with his sister Irihapeti, in Wellington. Their older sister, Tiahuia, was a whāngai in Waikato-Tainui and joined them later. (Billie’s child from a previous marriage, Rangiruea, was also in Waikato and stayed there into adolescence). 18 TE KARAKA MAKARIRI 2020
PHOTOGRAPH: MIHIATA PHOTOGRAPHY
Ko te ata pūao – Early dawn
